MTB Technical/trials skills?
Discussion
My friend has leant me his mountain bike for 6 months and I've taken it out a few times on some light trails and really enjoyed it! However, I really would like to understand the nuances and be good at the more technical trials riding aspects. I do not fancy hardcore downhill riding where I can easily break a collarbone! My riding experience is limited to just basic road riding on a hybrid now and again over the years.
I don't have much time to go on long rides, hence I thought I could really practice some back yard skills from learning how to effortlessly climb up on curbs to learning how to wheelie and bunny hop. Well, I watched youtube and it looked so easy, but my 40yr old + mind muscle connection made me resemble a drunkard trying to ride in a straight line!
Does anyone have any suggestions of any good drills to learn which will cross over into the real world urban or trail? Something that can be worked at and developed over time. Would be great to hear about all your different levels of ability and how you have worked to develop them.
Cheers
I don't have much time to go on long rides, hence I thought I could really practice some back yard skills from learning how to effortlessly climb up on curbs to learning how to wheelie and bunny hop. Well, I watched youtube and it looked so easy, but my 40yr old + mind muscle connection made me resemble a drunkard trying to ride in a straight line!
Does anyone have any suggestions of any good drills to learn which will cross over into the real world urban or trail? Something that can be worked at and developed over time. Would be great to hear about all your different levels of ability and how you have worked to develop them.
Cheers
Edited by ujio on Wednesday 22 May 21:50
It's all saddle time really; the more you ride, the more comfortable you will get on the bike and more skills you will aquire.
A lot of that will depend on where you are based and who you are riding with...I'm not sure there are any real short cuts I'm afraid.
Have you got any gental local spots you can ride?
A lot of that will depend on where you are based and who you are riding with...I'm not sure there are any real short cuts I'm afraid.
Have you got any gental local spots you can ride?
Start off with learning the Attack position.
Pedals level bottom off saddle and slightly backwards, legs bent, lean towards bars and understand that moving your weight front and rear is as important as side to side.
Then learn to steer with your hips and knees, lean the bike more than yourself….basically the opposite of motor cycling.
Those are two very basic concepts that will improve all riding from flat to down hill.
Finally move the bike beneath you far more than you think and just practise weighting and unweighting the pedals as you stand on them and push the bike from side to side.
It’s really just time spent being very dynamic on the bike that will teach you how to gain grip and carve a corner. But you can’t do it without some concept of the above.
Pedals level bottom off saddle and slightly backwards, legs bent, lean towards bars and understand that moving your weight front and rear is as important as side to side.
Then learn to steer with your hips and knees, lean the bike more than yourself….basically the opposite of motor cycling.
Those are two very basic concepts that will improve all riding from flat to down hill.
Finally move the bike beneath you far more than you think and just practise weighting and unweighting the pedals as you stand on them and push the bike from side to side.
It’s really just time spent being very dynamic on the bike that will teach you how to gain grip and carve a corner. But you can’t do it without some concept of the above.
Go and see Tony Doyle at UK Bike Skills - https://ukbikeskills.co.uk/
It is the best way to gain the confidence and ability you currently lack to further your technical skills. You will not find a more cost effective way of improving your skills and enjoyment of riding either.
If U.K. Bike Skills is too far from you then other coaches are available.
It is the best way to gain the confidence and ability you currently lack to further your technical skills. You will not find a more cost effective way of improving your skills and enjoyment of riding either.
If U.K. Bike Skills is too far from you then other coaches are available.
LRDefender said:
Go and see Tony Doyle at UK Bike Skills - https://ukbikeskills.co.uk/
It is the best way to gain the confidence and ability you currently lack to further your technical skills. You will not find a more cost effective way of improving your skills and enjoyment of riding either.
If U.K. Bike Skills is too far from you then other coaches are available.
Went with my Son last year to try and unlearn crap jumping technique (him learn good technique). It is the best way to gain the confidence and ability you currently lack to further your technical skills. You will not find a more cost effective way of improving your skills and enjoyment of riding either.
If U.K. Bike Skills is too far from you then other coaches are available.
Great day out and his set-up is amazing. It was a 7 hour round trip for us, but worth it.
TGCOTF-dewey said:
LRDefender said:
Go and see Tony Doyle at UK Bike Skills - https://ukbikeskills.co.uk/
It is the best way to gain the confidence and ability you currently lack to further your technical skills. You will not find a more cost effective way of improving your skills and enjoyment of riding either.
If U.K. Bike Skills is too far from you then other coaches are available.
Went with my Son last year to try and unlearn crap jumping technique (him learn good technique). It is the best way to gain the confidence and ability you currently lack to further your technical skills. You will not find a more cost effective way of improving your skills and enjoyment of riding either.
If U.K. Bike Skills is too far from you then other coaches are available.
Great day out and his set-up is amazing. It was a 7 hour round trip for us, but worth it.
JQ said:
That looks great. Out of interest did you do a private day or a group lesson?
Private... It was well worth it becuase:a) it removes any competitiveness from the day - other person cleared that jump so I now need to. I'm an overly competitive tit.
b) Everyone learns at their own rate so if you're just not getting something, you don't feel like you're holding the group up.
c) You can focus on what you're struggling with rather than just improving general skills. I'm OK with steep tech, but awful at jumping and my Son wants to be Matt Jones so we did a full day on jump technique.
It wasn't cheap, but it was excellent value. He's a nice guy too.
Hi all, thanks for all the helpful replies.
I'm based in the Surrey Hills. Understood it's all about saddle time and learning organically as you ride. I'm just looking to shortcut the process as I'm starting later on in life and with limited time to 'disappear' off for hours over the weekend (due to family commitments). My motorbike gets limited riding time for this reason.
So I was hoping some of the skills I could get up to speed with rapidly just in the back garden.
Definitely will looks into some coaching so it's not too much trial and error. I'm planning to do one of these short courses one weekend https://www.singletrackschool.co.uk/
I'm based in the Surrey Hills. Understood it's all about saddle time and learning organically as you ride. I'm just looking to shortcut the process as I'm starting later on in life and with limited time to 'disappear' off for hours over the weekend (due to family commitments). My motorbike gets limited riding time for this reason.
So I was hoping some of the skills I could get up to speed with rapidly just in the back garden.
Definitely will looks into some coaching so it's not too much trial and error. I'm planning to do one of these short courses one weekend https://www.singletrackschool.co.uk/
Edited by ujio on Thursday 23 May 09:22
I think saddle time only gets you so far. I was doing drops wrong for about 20 years before stumbling on a you tube video showing a much safer and better way to do it.
So worth checking some reputable youtube channels. But there is bad advice on there too so pick a reputable channel.
Or go out with more more experienced riders of course if that's an option
So worth checking some reputable youtube channels. But there is bad advice on there too so pick a reputable channel.
Or go out with more more experienced riders of course if that's an option
If you can't easily get to a coach, which I also think is the best idea, then next best thing is Youtube. You probably don't need to go much further than GMBN & just search through their videos.
They've done dozens on just about anything you could wish to learn on a mountain bike, bunny hops, manuals, wheelies, endo, drops, jumps, schralps, you name it, there'll be a skills video covering it.
They've done dozens on just about anything you could wish to learn on a mountain bike, bunny hops, manuals, wheelies, endo, drops, jumps, schralps, you name it, there'll be a skills video covering it.
Ben Cathro's How to Bike series on Pinkbike is worth a watch. GMBN constantly put out beginner-focussed stuff too.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQCfPUTFFOk...
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQCfPUTFFOk...
With 5 or 10 mins and any flat area, get a couple of stones or other markers and do some figure 8s, slow riding and trackstands. Having the confidence to slow down and check out what's coming without needing to stop and put feet down is a huge help, as is the slow-speed balance skills.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQCfPUTFFOk...
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQCfPUTFFOk...
With 5 or 10 mins and any flat area, get a couple of stones or other markers and do some figure 8s, slow riding and trackstands. Having the confidence to slow down and check out what's coming without needing to stop and put feet down is a huge help, as is the slow-speed balance skills.
Brilliant, thanks for the helpful links. It's easy to get lost in the plethora of vids out there without knowing where to start and the order of progression.
Some of the basic wheel lifts seems alien as it's a total change in balance and body weight .... Those youtube guys make it look effortless. Real life coaching would be better, but let's see how I go!
Some of the basic wheel lifts seems alien as it's a total change in balance and body weight .... Those youtube guys make it look effortless. Real life coaching would be better, but let's see how I go!
My tuppence is you need to go further than you think! Getting your arse over the back wheel for a manual feels scary but you build up to it & consequently, lots & lots of MTB steezy & scary stuff is hugely about commitment,
BTW another decent skills coach to consider is Daryl Brown who I think runs out of the Bull Track in Crowborough but I would think if you're in the Surrey hills, MB Cyclery will know a few coaches.
https://www.darylbrowncoaching.co.uk/
BTW another decent skills coach to consider is Daryl Brown who I think runs out of the Bull Track in Crowborough but I would think if you're in the Surrey hills, MB Cyclery will know a few coaches.
https://www.darylbrowncoaching.co.uk/
I'd recommend a bike skills course also.
I've been cycling, MTB for more years than I can remember. I'd say I'm fairly handy on an MTB and I'd pretty much attempt most things within reason.
The more you ride the more you will learn, but as with anything this is trial and error and you could adopt bad habits and end up stuck in a rut.
Several years ago my local trail centre (Llandegla) started to run various skills days and a friend of mine was keen to go, I wasn't that bothered as I didn't think I needed it, but I went to support him. Anyways, the morning sessions were really basic skills for me, I didn't gain anything if I am honest. However, the afternoon became far more interesting and our instructor ensured it was tailored to each person's skill level. I had a great afternoon and learnt quite a lot from the sessions.
If you have something nearby similar I would thoroughly recommend you do the same.
I've been cycling, MTB for more years than I can remember. I'd say I'm fairly handy on an MTB and I'd pretty much attempt most things within reason.
The more you ride the more you will learn, but as with anything this is trial and error and you could adopt bad habits and end up stuck in a rut.
Several years ago my local trail centre (Llandegla) started to run various skills days and a friend of mine was keen to go, I wasn't that bothered as I didn't think I needed it, but I went to support him. Anyways, the morning sessions were really basic skills for me, I didn't gain anything if I am honest. However, the afternoon became far more interesting and our instructor ensured it was tailored to each person's skill level. I had a great afternoon and learnt quite a lot from the sessions.
If you have something nearby similar I would thoroughly recommend you do the same.
I would recommend a coaching session at Dyfi Bike Park NW. Wales. It is a trek across Wales, and expensive, but if you get a group together the price is more reasonable. Insanely good set up the Athertons have there.
If not wanting to put the price out for coaching then just getting bike time is so important. Getting really confident in terrain you feel ok (safe) with before jumping on to more technical stuff really hone's technique.
I find a low and flexible body position so important, being able to shift weight from a central position to load the front/back of the bike where needed. Looking far ahead and making sure you are ready and chosen how you are going to react before the moment so to absorb the terrain, otherwise you are just reacting to what has happened and it spirals quickly out of shape. Also using your head and shoulders to guide the bike rather than swinging your arms about helps to keep the bike stable.
One thing that is difficult mentally to learn is how to crash, it will happen. Making sure you don't tense up and let the body fall naturally helps minimise injury. Once you realise it (usually) doesn't hurt too much you are less scared of it. You become so much more fluid, and joints aren't so tense, letting the bike roll across the trail.
If not wanting to put the price out for coaching then just getting bike time is so important. Getting really confident in terrain you feel ok (safe) with before jumping on to more technical stuff really hone's technique.
I find a low and flexible body position so important, being able to shift weight from a central position to load the front/back of the bike where needed. Looking far ahead and making sure you are ready and chosen how you are going to react before the moment so to absorb the terrain, otherwise you are just reacting to what has happened and it spirals quickly out of shape. Also using your head and shoulders to guide the bike rather than swinging your arms about helps to keep the bike stable.
One thing that is difficult mentally to learn is how to crash, it will happen. Making sure you don't tense up and let the body fall naturally helps minimise injury. Once you realise it (usually) doesn't hurt too much you are less scared of it. You become so much more fluid, and joints aren't so tense, letting the bike roll across the trail.
TGCOTF-dewey said:
JQ said:
That looks great. Out of interest did you do a private day or a group lesson?
Private... It was well worth it becuase:a) it removes any competitiveness from the day - other person cleared that jump so I now need to. I'm an overly competitive tit.
b) Everyone learns at their own rate so if you're just not getting something, you don't feel like you're holding the group up.
c) You can focus on what you're struggling with rather than just improving general skills. I'm OK with steep tech, but awful at jumping and my Son wants to be Matt Jones so we did a full day on jump technique.
It wasn't cheap, but it was excellent value. He's a nice guy too.
I can't seem to find it on the website, but what are the times of the coaching, how many hours do you get?
ujio said:
Hi all, thanks for all the helpful replies.
I'm based in the Surrey Hills. Understood it's all about saddle time and learning organically as you ride. I'm just looking to shortcut the process as I'm starting later on in life and with limited time to 'disappear' off for hours over the weekend (due to family commitments). My motorbike gets limited riding time for this reason.
So I was hoping some of the skills I could get up to speed with rapidly just in the back garden.
Definitely will looks into some coaching so it's not too much trial and error. I'm planning to do one of these short courses one weekend https://www.singletrackschool.co.uk/
There’s a guy who runs a mtb club that way Bardolph Kerr. Brother of Bernard, so he might have a few tips…I'm based in the Surrey Hills. Understood it's all about saddle time and learning organically as you ride. I'm just looking to shortcut the process as I'm starting later on in life and with limited time to 'disappear' off for hours over the weekend (due to family commitments). My motorbike gets limited riding time for this reason.
So I was hoping some of the skills I could get up to speed with rapidly just in the back garden.
Definitely will looks into some coaching so it's not too much trial and error. I'm planning to do one of these short courses one weekend https://www.singletrackschool.co.uk/
Edited by ujio on Thursday 23 May 09:22
https://www.mountainbikeclub.co.uk/about-1
JQ said:
Makes sense, and with 2 sons into MTB it'll be expensive whether I go private or not.
I can't seem to find it on the website, but what are the times of the coaching, how many hours do you get?
It was all day and it was plenty... We were done before Tony was I can't seem to find it on the website, but what are the times of the coaching, how many hours do you get?
Doing lap after lap up small hills adds up over the day.
What's really nice is the jumps start as rollers/tabletop. Once he's happy you can repeatedly land on the down slope without coming up short, you move over to the gap - same distance. You realise just how much is in your head.
My son went from novice jumper but good tech rider to happily doing 10-12ft tables.
My son did stack it right at the end though, so if you're doing jumps I'd pad up and full face.
I'd be there every few months if it wasn't such a long way away as the combination of the private training area + the coaching make it probably the best in the UK IMO.
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